South Hadley, MA – Jean (Borowski) Braley, 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at her home in South Hadley, MA. She was born in Northampton, MA, the daughter of Myron and Phyllis (Spencer) Borowski, and graduated from Northampton High School in 1974 and Burbank Hospital School of Nursing in 1977. From there, she began her long nursing career as an RN in Fitchburg, Northampton, and then across the Tampa / St. Petersburg, FL area. She married her high school sweetheart, Walt Braley, after meeting him on a blind date, and was blessed with two wonderful sons, Daniel Braley of Carmel, IN and Patrick Braley of Northampton, MA (deceased). Pat passed away tragically in 2007, which was devastating to her and the family. Daniel married Jessica (Jasper) Braley in 2013, later bringing Jean her two cherished grandchildren, Madeleine and Theodore.
Unfortunately, Jean was diagnosed with Lupus in 1992 and spent the last 33 years of her life battling the disease. As with most chronic illnesses, it won in the end, but she fought so hard and courageously to live her best life despite all the struggles. She maintained close and precious friendships throughout her life and had a special knack for always finding and often “painting” the perfect greeting cards to keep in touch.
Jean loved to travel and cherished memories of trips to Paris, Hawaii, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Southern California, Maine, Cape Cod, and many more. She was an accomplished artist who primarily worked in acrylics and watercolors, but she excelled at many other artistic endeavors as well, including quilting, glass work, felting, and more. Much of this was completed in conjunction with her other half, her identical twin sister, JoAnn (Borowski) Carroll of Florence, MA. Even though Walt’s jobs took her a thousand miles away, first to Florida and then to Texas, they always maintained their special bond of twins. She strived to keep close connections with all her siblings and family members, even as distance separated them.
Those who were fortunate enough to be near her were enriched by her wisdom, love, and compassion. Her gratitude for shared experiences was immeasurable. Upon Walt’s retirement, she returned to her beloved Western Massachusetts, where she lived until her passing. Jeannie will be greatly missed by many, including Walt, her husband of 49 years, her cherished son Dan, his wife Jess, her grandchildren Maddie and Teddy, her siblings JoAnn Carroll (Tom) of Florence, MA, Jacqueline Didier (Larry) of Easthampton, MA, Raymond Thompson of Englewood, FL, Shirley Szepelek of Englewood, FL, and Marion Milardo (Joe) of Dacula, GA, and nieces and nephews, Eileen, Sarah, Kathy, Sharron, Michael, Laura, Kim and Alicia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Florida State University Foundation Pat Braley Fund for Student Broadcasting at V89 / WVFS Tallahassee. This is an endowment that was set up in Pat’s name through his parents and loving family and friends. It helps to ensure the future of the radio station Pat loved and supported so much during his time at Florida State University, and it meant so much to Jean as it kept her son’s legacy alive. Donations can be made at the following link: https://give.fsu.edu/braleyfund
A wake, celebration of life, and viewing hours will be held Sunday, December 21st, from 2-4pm at Czelusniak Funeral Home, 173 North St, Northampton, MA 01060 to honor Jean’s life. Services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 22nd at 10am, followed by burial at Spring Grove Cemetery, 5 N Farms Rd, Florence, MA 01062.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
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